The Preble Learning Center was established in 1986, starting with only 4 children and volunteer care takers in the basement of the building. The program now occupies the entire building and serves 48 children and their families. The center is a state licensed (Department of Health and Human Services) and nationally accredited (National Association for the Education of Young Children) child care facility offering affordable, quality services to children and families of Greater Portland. Camelia Babson-Haley serves as the Program Director and brings a wealth of education and experience in this field. The Center provides care for 8 infants (6 weeks through 12 months), 4 young toddlers (1 to 2 years), 10 toddlers (2 to 3 years), 10 tykes (2 to 3 years), and sixteen preschoolers (3 to 5 years).

Preble Learning Center provides a safe and loving atmosphere in which to grow and learn. The environment is designed to enhance the psychological, social, physical and emotional development of the children and the families. All children are engaged in developmentally appropriate and child centered activities and curriculums. The center is particularly proud of its new preschool curriculum, the Early Reading First program. Our facility is only one of a very few national pilot sites that are engaging in this exciting and promising program developed by the Department of Education to promote early literacy.

Priority is given to children of teen and low income parents who are working, in school, or in job training. Services for most TANF (Revised Welfare to Work Program) are available at a reduced cost and a limited number of subsidized slots are also available.